Catching Fire

 Barry Wu                                                                                                                    1/5/12

Catching Fire 

Author: Suzanne Collins

Date of Publication: September 1, 2009

Publisher: Scholastic

Summary

Catching Fire is the continuation of Suzanne Collins Hunger Games three book series. The story takes place in a distant future, where an overwhelming power known as the Capitol takes hold. The world becomes divided into twelve districts, with each providing a valuable resource to the Capitol. The world is no longer several continents; it all merges under the name of Panem. Katniss Everdeen is the key individual in this story, but ironically she didn’t know her important role. Katniss had participated in the death match known as the Hunger Games, but also rebelled against the Capitols authority but attempting to suicide. The event had been broadcasted on nation television, making Katniss the symbol for rebellion. It was not until later that Katniss understood her actions but it was too late. The districts had been organizing their troops and prepared for the attack. Rebellions waited for just the right time and signal. Meanwhile Katniss was in the dark as to any of these plans. The only trouble on her mind was the fact that she had to reenter the ring to fight again in the Hunger Games.

The fight in the arena soon begins as deaths are counted left and right. Soon all that’s left is Katniss’s group of six and two other candidates called tributes. But the people wasn’t only the problem, it was the setting as well. The arena had been arranged as a clock, which every hour meant another form of torture and punishment. The obstacles came one after another, but soon started a repetition. Everything boils down to one last encounter, as the two teams encounter one another; the final plan was electrocution of all water. Chances are that it would kill the target, but there is also the possibility that it doesn't work. The plan wasn’t carried out exactly, the target was actually the force field and that was the sign of the rebellion. Those that knew of the plan were helping Katniss stay alive. Rescue came when a plane gather up all members and healed wounds and finally the plans were told to Katniss. The Rebellion had begun.

Quote

It’s an awful lot to take in, this elaborate plan in which I was a piece, just as I was meant to be a piece in the Hunger Games (385, Collins).

Reaction

Katniss had the right to know about the plans, but there is also the reason for her not to know. On one hand she could have ruined everything but on the other she was the key role. This quote states that Katniss believes she was just a piece, which isn’t wrong. But what she didn’t know was that she was king. The King is the one piece that everybody wants to protect because it’s the critical piece that keeps everything together. Katniss doesn’t understand her position just yet; she believes that she was just the pawn. When the time comes, I believe that she would also aid the rebellion and become a true leader for the people of Panem. Rebels will stay by her side and fight for what is theirs, taking back the land stolen by the Capitol.

Behind Bars: Fish a memoir of a boy in a man’s prison

Barry Wu                                                                                                                    11/14/11

Author: T.J. Parsell

Date of Publication: August 31, 2007

Publisher: Da Capo Press

Summary

            The story of Fish revolves around T.J. Parsell, a young teen that was taken into custody for robbing a photo mat with a toy gun. The autobiography starts out with the account of the Parsell’s childhood and throughout the book he states several scarring events that ultimately led to his present day situation. Parsell had always had a connection with his brother named Ricky, who guides Parsell through the early stages of his life. It would not be too farfetched to state that Ricky was the cause of Parsell’s behavior and actions that led to prison. The account of a inmate is something most people have seen on T.V. but what most individuals don’t see, is the account of a homosexual male going through prison. The story truly comes to life when inmate T.J. Much like high school, Parsell was inclined to his feeling for other men, especially to a young man named Scatter. Parsell was able to recognize in himself that he is gay and is willing to show it his fellow inmates.

            T.J. Parsell is shipped around several prisons, including Michigan Reformatory or Gladiator School, Riverside Correctional Facility, and County Jail. The process in itself is an unfair system with horrible employee’s who don’t care for the inmates. When Parsell is finally settled, the story soon turns to a battle for survival. Behind bars, inmates worry about ownership and usefulness of an individual. Luckily for Parsell, he was able to find a kind owner named Slide Step who spoiled Parsell with what little gifts they were provided with at the store. A few inmates like Red, a dark skinned man, didn’t care for his property and treated them like dirt. Parsell’s everyday life became easier with an owner and lived without much worry; it was until later that Parsell was told to be shipped off into Michigan Reformatory. Parsell had to endure the cruel treatment from the inmates at Michigan Reformatory but was eventually shipped back to Riverside. There he rejoined with Slide step and later finished his sentence.

Quotation- “So far, I’d gotten drunk, drugged, almost sliced to pieces by a jealous boyfriend, and sold ---or rather won, in a coin toss”(Parsell 96).

            This quote was after the first sexual encounter that T.J. Parsell had upon entering prison at Riverside. This scene depicted a horrible action that took place behind the bars of prison. It seemed to be like a whole new society that was the complete opposite of what the outside world had. The rules of prison were simple if you were weak find something strong to be your owner, if you were strong you would have to fight to get respect. Sadly for Parsell, he was not a strong individual so he became a servant previously owned by a man named Chet and later by a man named Slide Step. This quote show, just how cruel the inmates could be and the events that would unfold. The lives of the inmates mean nothing to each other; most people that aren’t getting out don’t care about the law or others. This story opened my eyes to what really happens behind bars, but truly this quote is the specific point where I question the system of justice.